2015: What Actually Happened?

I got a new job. 

I made the decision to reduce my meat consumption dramatically. 

I opened an Etsy business: Wild Peony Co.

I found new passions in life.

I had a tough battle with mental health. 

I fell in love with the stars.

I focused on quality not quantity. 

I transformed my fear of being alone into a necessity. 

I discovered new things about myself.

I went blonde.

I embraced uncertainty.

+

I decided to major in happiness.

I created, I loved, I lived.

Tuesday Tunes

Weekend Wisdom

Have a lovely weekend! 

8 Ways to Be a Happier You

From a girl who has struggled herself. 

1. Live in the present: 
We spend too much time worrying about what happened in the past + what is going to happen in the future. It is so important to embrace the now + enjoy every moment for exactly what it is.

2. Ease the negativity:
Sometimes you need to take a step back + realize who you are + where you want to be. Certain people or certain things will commonly bring discomfort into your life, it happens to everyone. Change what you are able to, but as one of my favorite quotes says,

--- One of the happiest moments in life is when you find the courage 

to let go of what you can't change. 

3. Find your support system:
It is so important to surround yourself with people that genuinely care about you + your well being. Know that those people are always there for you + would be willing to be there, if you just asked for a little help.

4. Get outside:
It is medically proven that being outdoors will improve your mood. A study showed that as little as 20 minutes outside during good weather will not only improve your overall mood, but broaden your thinking + improve memory.

5. Put down your cell phone:
It is more common for us to be seen looking down more than we ever seem to be looking up. Instead of enjoying the day for what it is, we spend the majority of our time on our cell phones, checking Snapchats, updating statuses, or even missing out on genuinely enjoying a moment because we are too busy capturing it for Instagram. Technology holds many advantages, however,  it comes with just as many, maybe more, disadvantages. With apps like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram + Snapchat, we are continuously exposed to the lives of others. Which leads to unhealthy feelings of jealousy, envy + loneliness.
➳ I have challenged myself to reduce my social media + cell phone usage in general, dramatically + have undoubtedly noticed a change in my happiness. I sleep more, not being consumed with checking my phone constantly, I enjoy genuine conversations with people without interrupting them to check notifications, I don't compare myself to others + the greatest advantage I have found is to enjoy the moments in life for what they are. It's like having secret memories that are not shared with anyone but myself.

6. Give back:
We often forget how good our lives are. Even when they're not perfect, they could also be far worse. Connecting with other people + feeling like your a part of something larger than ourselves takes us a long way towards happiness. Just do small things with great love.

7. Find inner balance:
Whether it be spiritual, meditative, or just finding a few minutes of quite time for yourself every day. It is so important to find your center to help clear + calm your mind, so you can be a healthier, happier you.

➳ I have personally been loving the Calm app which offers a selection 

of guided or timed mindful mediations.  

The website calm.com also offers a 5,10,15, or 20, meditation break which is great for working long hours on a computer.

Meditation has been proven to improve focus, clarity + attention span. Long span meditation has also lead to improvements in participants compassion + self awareness, as well as reduced stress. 

8. Do what you love:
My biggest tip on your journey to happiness is to always do what you love. It is vital to take a little time every day to spend time on yourself, to be drawn by the strange pull of what you love + to embrace + enjoy every moment of it.

I promise to you, that in that moment, all the worries of the world will disappear. 

--- There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done.

One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow,

so today is the right day to love,

believe, do and mostly live.

Dalai Lama 

Tuesday Tunes

View the previous Tuesday Tunes: HERE

Weekend Wisdom

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Defining Moments

"Claudie what's on your face?" my two year old niece asked as she pointed to my black winged eyeliner.

"Makeup" I said without hesitation.

Her sweet blue eyes stared back at me with her head tilted in almost a whisper,

"Take it off?"

"You want me to take it off?" I asked.

"Yes." 

Her words echoed in my heart + the tears swelled up in my eyes, as she walked away back to her toys.

She loved me. 

She loved me for exactly who I was inside + out, makeup or not.

••• • •
If you would have asked my high school self two years ago if I would ever post a picture that was 100% natural,
I would have undoubtedly said no.

I have continuously battled with my body image for years now.
I see in myself a girl that has always struggled with her weight, a girl that wished her nose was smaller, her cheekbones more defined, had long beautiful hair + perfect skin.

Society is a scary thing.
Making us believe that there is always something that needs to be "fixed" is a usual occurrence in our daily routine without us even realizing.

You're either too skinny, or too fat.
If you don't like your nose, chin, boobs, butt, stomach, thighs, arms + every single other part of your body- don't worry about that!
You can fix it.
Have a scar or some acne on your face?
Cover that shit up with some makeup.
Contour this, contour that.
Highlight here.
Line your lips to make them look fuller, but don't over-line.
Suck your stomach in + your butt out.
Wear this but not that-
unless you want to be called a prude or a slut.
••• • •
Unattainable standards are basically shoved down our throats + plastered on our mirrors every single day of our lives.

Now, I'm not saying that you shouldn't wear makeup,
I love makeup.
I think it is a beautiful form of artistic expression that anyone can use + I adore that.
However, I hate that our society makes us feel that we absolutely can not go out without it on.

They drag us down until our confidence is short of nothing + when you finally gain one ounce of that confidence back you're automatically labeled as conceited- resulting back to where you started, once again.

So here is what I have to say...

F*** standards of beauty. 

You are FLAWLESS.

Wake up every morning + limit your negativity towards yourself.
Look in the mirror to focus on the things that you love.
Those things that we hate, are often the things that make us so unique.
Accept the fact that YOU are beautiful + it doesn't make you conceited for saying that.

I am going to be 100% honest with you in saying that it's not going to be easy.
I still struggle with it every day, but I've made progress.
+ so will you.
••• • •
I have contemplated writing this post for over a year now, but I have finally found myself at a point in my life that I have more self confidence with myself on the inside- which has undoubtedly affected my confidence on the outside.

I honestly love doing my makeup every day, but I have come to the conclusion that it is not a requirement.

It is a choice.

So this is me.
No edit, no filter, messy hair, makeup free, chapped lips, untamed eyebrows, ME.

I love that I have my Mom's full lips.
I love that I have my Dad's dark hair + eyes.
I love the scar on my forehead from a bike accident when I was younger because it reminds me of the memories of my childhood.
I love that I am a representation of years + years of passed down traits.
I love my body because it is the home in which I reside in, in this beautiful life of mine.
••• • •
So next time you look in the mirror...

Pay attention to the way your eyes light up when you talk about something that you love.
Admire your wrinkles for each one tells a story of your past.
Remember your scars for the memories each one holds + the struggles you've overcome.
Love your body because it is your home.

--- (You) are not this hair,
(you) are not this skin,
(you) are the soul that lives within.
- Rumi

It's your time to shine.

#BareIsBeautiful #ButMakeupIsToo

Weekend Wisdom

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Tuesday Tunes

P.S. If you haven't seen the video for Paper Doll, I highly recommend it. 

Feelin' Nineteen

 One day that may seem to be so ordinary for one, is so spectacular for another.

I don't know. Maybe it's just me. 

Or. 

Maybe it isn't...

 But it's all within the moments.

There I sat, in the most beautiful restaurant, vibrant colors surrounding me, my favorite songs faintly playing in the background, delicious food, + the ones I love most. 

Captivating every part of me.

Each year I reflect on who I was + who I want to become.

For the first time in my 19 years, I embraced the fact that this is the year I am finally me.

I took a second, captured this moment in my heart, + held on close.

This is what it's like to be alive. 

Favorite Summer Jewelry

There is nothing I love more than wearing simple clothing to really emphasize the beauty of jewelry. 

However, I often find myself resorting back to the same pieces day after day. 

This summer I decided to challenge myself by switching it up & wearing all the pieces that I haven't worn before. 

 ➳ Here are some of my favorites for the summer months: 

Bracelets: Simple + Unique

  ➳ Buy yours here |  www.eastcraeft.com

I have been obsessed with tassels lately & these little bracelets are such a simple way to add a bohemian vibe to any casual look. I would be lying if I said I didn't want these in every color possible. 

Earrings: Versatile

 ➳  Buy yours here | www.baublebar.com

I wore these earrings this past weekend & the iridescent look of them was literally changing colors in every picture I took! These look super adorable paired with rolled jeans & a tee-shirt for a casual look or can be added to a dress & some heels for a night out. 

 Bracelet: Simple + Casual

➳  Find a similar style here |  www.bluefly.com

My style has changed a lot over the past year & I find myself gravitating towards more simpler clothing + jewelry pieces than I use to. I received this bracelet as a Christmas present but didn't start wearing it until about a month ago & have barely taken it off since. This bracelet is so effortless, but adds such a unique look to any outfit.

Necklace: Sparkle + Statement 

 ➳ Find yours here |  www.baublebar.com

I started getting into statement necklaces my junior year of high school & the love has grown ever since. They are perfect for dressing up any casual outfit or worn as a statement piece that truly tells a story. My current favorite is this stunning Teardrop necklace from BaubleBar.
Unfortunately,  it's now out of stock but they have so many other beautiful, diverse pieces to choose from.

What are your favorite summer pieces?

New Beginnings

As you can see lots of exciting changes have been happening around here!

Live Bright. Be Bold. & Sparkle

has officially retired & been changed to:

•Pretty Little Life •

I once saw a quote that read:

➳ There are three C's in life: Choice, Chance, & Change. 

You must make the choice,

to take the chance,

if you want anything in life to change.

These words have stuck with me, applying themselves to many aspects in my life over the past couple months. 

One being this blog.

In three short months, it'll be one year since I started Live Bright. Be Bold. & Sparkle.

There are points in everyone's lives that you inevitably change.

Whether it be relationships,  jobs, future plans, or even something as simple as a new haircut.

I started this blog with no intentions of sharing it with anyone & it has delightfully grown more than I ever could have imagined in just one short year.

However, my highest goal will forever be for it to remain the truest reflection of myself.

In the past year, I have grown & changed the person I am tremendously. 

Hence the new blog name.

I adore this blog dearly & I am ecstatic to provide you with new, more diverse content & an insight into my unpredictable life.

I hope you all grow to love Pretty Little Life as much as I do & continue on this crazy, beautiful, & exciting adventure with me.

---Maybe the journey isn't so much about becoming anything.

Maybe it's about unbecoming everything that isn't really you,

so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.

➳ You can find us at the new address:

pretty-little-life-blog.blogspot.com

➳ On Instagram:

instagram.com/pretty_little_life_blog

➳ Or Email:

prettylittlelifeblog@gmail.com

•Just as a disclaimer, don't worry, this will be the ONLY time that I will change the blog title•

March Favorites

Happy April everyone!

Here are some of the things that I have been loving this past month.

•Favorite Snack: Chocolate Cupcake Luna Bar•

I have always been a fan of Luna bars & this new Chocolate Cupcake flavor does not disappoint. 

It taste just like a chocolate cupcake but has 9 grams of protein & is gluten free!

•Favorite Shoes: Steve Madden Boots•

I have been looking for a shorter pair of boots for a while now, but wasn't having much luck. 

I wanted a pair that were comfortable but would also hold up to the wear, considering the past couple of pairs I've owned have literally fallen apart.

I found these beautiful Steve Madden ones in the clearance section at TJ Maxx for $40 & knew I couldn't pass them up. 

They are super comfortable, can be paired with jeans or leggings & can also be carried into the spring season with dresses & skirts. 

•Favorite Book: Wild•

I am only 1/4 of the way through this book & can already place it on my favorites list because that's how truly fantastic it is. 

An incredible woman & her inspiring & powerful journey of personal tragedy, hardships, & her unconventional plan of rediscovering herself in the wilderness of the PCT.

I promise you that you will not be able to put this book down & will be longing for your own journey of self discovery.

•Favorite Lip Product: Milani Lipstick - 63 Matte Diva•

I have been OBSESSED with this matte hot pink lip color. 

It's the perfect statement lip for the spring, stays on all day long, & makes your lips feel super smooth even though it has matte finish. 

Plus, I purchased it for only $5.99 at CVS!

•Favorite Accessory: Liz Palacios Earrings•

I received these beautiful earrings as a gift from my Aunt for my birthday last year & they have recently become one of my favorite pairs of earrings. 

They're the perfect pop of sparkle to any simple outfit. 

You can find similar styles at http://lizpalacios.com

 •Favorite Quote•

•Image source: Pinterest•

Marley Lilly Review & Giveaway

About a little over a month ago I had the opportunity to pick out a few things from one of my favorite places EVER Marley Lilly. 

After having the chance to try out each of them out multiple times over the past month, I thought I would share my thoughts with you! 

Plus, there's a super awesome giveaway going on right now that you are going to want the details to! 

{ Blanket Scarf }

•Find the Ivory & Navy version here•

If you did not know, Marley Lilly has a fabulous sister site called Monday Dress. 

They have a huge assortment of beautiful non-monogrammed clothing & accessories. 

The colors on this Blanket Scarf add the perfect pop to any neutral outfit. 

When unfolded this scarf is literally the size of a blanket, but provides a ridiculous amount of warmth without feeling like you're wearing a neck brace. 

Pair it with a coat & some boots, or wrap it around your shoulders & belt it over a long sleeve for a casual chic look. 

• Check out Monday Dress here! •

{ Monogrammed Scalloped Luxe Cross Body Clutch }

This cross body clutch may just be one of my favorite things that I have ever owned. 

I hate switching out purses, but multiple times a week I find myself often throwing my stuff into this one.

Not only is it the perfect size to carry around during the day, but also makes a great addition to any outfit for a night out.

The monogram & scalloped edging on this purse truly make it a beautiful statement piece. 

Plus, this purse is featured in many different colors & the gold chain strap is removable if you would prefer to carry it as a clutch!

{ Monogrammed Golden Name Plate Necklace }

I had been looking for a necklace like this for quite some time & was overjoyed when I found exactly what I was looking for on the Marley Lilly website & for such a reasonable price too!

This gold name plate necklace is exactly the addition you need to any simple outfit.

Dress it up or dress it down, it's perfect for any occasion.

Not only does it look fabulous on its own as a stand out piece, but style it with another necklace or two for a beautiful layered look. 

{ Monogrammed Pullover Printed Pocket Sweatshirt }

This pullover may just be the comfiest sweatshirt I have ever owned.

Incredibly soft & so warm, it's perfect for a cool day.

I even ended up ordering mine in a size larger than I usually do so it's loose & comfy for the days that I want to just throw it over a pair of jeans & some boots.

A causal look with an adorable pop from the monogrammed printed pocket. 

{ Marley Lilly Stickers }

Show your Marley Lilly pride with these colorful stickers just like the ones I have shown above!

They feature a special coating that protects them from rain, wind, & sunlight. 

So stick them on your water bottles like I have done, or add them onto your car, & laptops! 

The best part of all, they're free! 

Just add them to your cart! 

There is a limit to them though, so check them out here to order & read more about it! 

{ Giveaway }

• Follow Live Bright. Be Bold. & Sparkle. on Instagram here • 

During the whole month of February you receive a FREE Marley Lilly Selfie T-shirt with any $30.00 Marley Lilly order! 

No coupon code required. 

The T-shirt will atomically appear in your cart once qualified, all you have to do is choose your size! 

Not only is this shirt super adorable & perfect for the gym or paired with a sweater & some jeans & boots for a causal look. 

But...

If you share your creative selfie after receiving your shirt with #MarleyLillySelfie you're entered to have a chance to win a monogrammed gift every weekday in the month of March! 

Just post your photo on Twitter or Instagram for a chance to be featured on their page! 

•Follow Marley Lilly on Instagram here  & on Twitter here •

 Now that I've shown you some of my favorites, go find some of yours! 

Head on over to https://marleylilly.com to take advantage of this fabulous Giveaway before February is over! 

I know you won't be disappointed! 

January Favorites

Can you believe that January is already over? 

I'm still managing to write '14 on everything & will probably continue to do so until 2016 comes around.

But with the ending of the month, it is time for my January Favorites!  

As you may notice, many of these products featured this month are from Target.

But hey, with the constant amount of snowfall thanks to #Blizzard2015 & the countless other snow storms, you can only venture out so far & Target is always the ideal destination. 

{Favorite Accessory: Jeweled Necklace}

I've been looking at the J.Crew crystal necklaces for over a year now, but I just can't justify spending at least $50 for one. 

Instead, I finally found a look-a-like for $4.87 at Target. 

That's right friends, $4.87

As in I could've bought 10 more of these for the price of one necklace.

Reason #6,576 why I love Target. 

The colors are absolutely beautiful & it adds just the right sparkle to any outfit.

{Favorite Lip Product: NYX Butter Gloss - Vanilla Cream Pie} 

I have been loving the NYX lip products lately & this one definitely has not let me down.

Searching for a nude/pinkish lips gloss that lasts a long period of time, & isn't too sticky has been quite a task. 

But this one is perfect.

I love wearing it alone as an everyday lip color, but it also layers fantastic on top of a nude lipstick. 

{Favorite Product: Glass Water Bottle}

Every day in high school I had a plastic water bottle with me, but was constantly buying new ones due to the funky taste they all seemed to have.

After giving up the search for a glass bottle, that I didn't feel like would shatter at any moment,

I happened to spot this one at Target. 

It fits tons of water in it, keeps it cold, doesn't taste funky at all, & the rope strap is super sturdy & makes it easy to carry without feeling like its going to break off. 

Plus, it's cute.

Which is always a plus.

{Favorite Art Supply: Watercolor Palette}

The only positive thing about these never ending snowstorms, is the fact that I get to stay inside, listen to countless hours of Spotify, & paint all day long with no contact to the outside world, 

& it be completely acceptable. 

I have wanted a watercolor palette with multiple different colors for a while now & while browsing the paintbrush section at Joanne's the other day I happened to see this one. 

This beauty has 36 colors & was only $5.99!

As you can see, I've only had it for a few days & it has definitely gotten its use. 

Now if only I hadn't run out of watercolor paper during a blizzard... 

{Favorite Food: Danielle Roasted Coconut Chips} 

My sister got me hooked on these coconut chips at her house a couple weeks ago & as a result, I obviously had to pick some up on my weekly Target trip.  

If you love coconut as much as I do, I guarantee you will be addicted. 

No preservatives, all natural, no trans fat, & the only three ingredients are young coconuts, sugar, & salt. 

Let's just say, maybe the bag was gone in a day...

{Favorite Moment} 

On January•10•2015 my oldest sister brought my handsome little nephew Eli Richard into the world. 

Already being an Aunt to his two beautiful big sisters & having the opportunity to see them grow into such extraordinary little human beings each day is truly a gift. 

I never thought that 3 people could fill my heart with as much love as they do. 

{Favorite Quote}

•Image source: Pinterest•

Day 1 of 365

{ A year ago today I would have never pictured my life to be what it is right now }

That's one of the things that I find most exciting about life.

No matter how much you plan, it's crazy, unpredictable, & magical all at once. 

•2014 was a year that will always hold a special place in my heart•

It held many momentous occasions including everything from winning my first drawing contest for a festival in my town, to my Senior Prom. 

    I had the opportunity to stand on a stage with the best Drama Club in the entire world celebrating our Regional One Act win. 

• A moment that I hold close to my heart & will remember for my entire life•

I even turned 18 & graduated high school this year. 

Which by the way, when I received my diploma I forgot to stop to take the picture & tried to walk away.

Embarrassing myself obviously seemed to be a common trend in 2014.

Lesson learned. Stop for the picture kids. 

Though this year held many positive & unforgettable events it also came with some very trying ones. 

I was faced with many decisions that I was unsure about & lead me to be pushed very far out of my comfort zone. 

I went through the challenging process of eliminating unhealthy relationships of my life. 

& started new.

 { Someone once said }

•Whatever happened over this past year. Be thankful for where it brought you. 

Where you are is where you're meant to be•

& I couldn't agree with this more.

Through all the tears & uncertainty, the decisions I have made this past year have resulted in me finally feeling like I am headed on the right path for myself.

We often go into things having a goal in mind, but when we only focus on the end game, when often miss the detour that can lead us to even better things. 

•Life is defined in moments & I am so blessed to carry each one of these moments & so many more of 2014 in my heart forever•

I'm a firm believer in not setting New Year's Resolutions.

I believe that if you want to make changes in your life, why wait until a day at the end of the year to do that?
Start now.
Don't wait around.
If you want something, go out & get it for yourself.

I set goals for myself that are worked on long before a day at the end of the year where I feel like I need to make changes. 

I'm not saying I hold anything against people that choose to make resolutions, that is their decision & not mine. 

However, I choose to make my resolutions day to day instead of year to year. 

The second half of 2014 was focused completely on my journey & where I wanted to go from there. 

{ For more information check out this }

 I am very excited to say, that after a long couple of months, there are many things that are in the process of happening in 2015. 

I'm not going to share exactly what they are just yet, because like I said, they are in the process 

& there is still a long way to go. 

But achieving little goals along the way to the bigger picture, is a sense of accomplishment like you would never believe. 

•Each year has been magical in it's own way, but I am ecstatic to see where 2015 takes me•

{ With that being said... Here's my 10 pieces of advice for 2015 }

 • Image source: Pinterest•

1.  You know all those things you've always wanted to do? Go do them. What better time than now?

2.  Stop relying on other people to provide you with happiness. You are perfectly capable of providing it for yourself.

3. Don't let the mistakes you make define you. Making mistakes means you're trying new things, whether they turn out to be a success or failure. You're pushing yourself & changing your life. If I hadn't made the mistakes that I did last year, I would never be on the path that I am today. Learn from them.

4. Be proud of yourself. At the end of the day, this is your life & your life only. Make the steps to create the life that you can be proud of & proud to be.

5. Put down your phones, computers, tablets, anything & everything, every once in a while. Open your eyes to the world that is sitting right there in front of you.

6. Define your own success. Whether it be big or small, make it completely up to you. Don't feel like you have to obtain goals that don't relate to your choice of life.

7. Don't waste your precious time on people that don't care about you. I have spent way too much of my time trying to keep relationships that only hurt me. Take that time & energy & focus it towards relationships with people that truly care.

8. Don't be so hard on yourself. You are perfectly extraordinary just the way you are.

9. Laugh often & love many. It's good for your soul.

10. Pursue your passions & dreams. If they're important enough for you to make them dreams in the first place, stop making excuses for yourself & make them a reality. 

This is your year to shine. Go out & make it extra sparkly.